Knitting-machine.



, No. 649,02I. Patented May 8, |900. C. J. A. WARDWELL.

KNITTING MCHINE.

. (Appliazion mad nu.. v, 189s.) (Ilo-Model.) I3 Sheets-Sheet -I.

his* .AV/army' mi Hemus Pneus no.. moro-Lma., wAsHmmoN, n4 c.

Patented May 8, i900.

No. 649,02l.

C. J. A. WARDWELL. KNITTING MAGHINE. (Application led. Mar. 7, 1898.)(No Model.) I3 Sheets-Sheet 2.

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No. 049,021. Patented may s, |000. c. .1. A. wARDwELL. KNITTING MACHINE.

(Application ledar. 7, 1898.) Y (No Model.) I3 Sheets-Sheet 3.

1H: Nonms PETERS co. Fuero-mwa. WASHINGTQN. n. c

No. 649,02I. Patented May 8, |900. C. J. A. WAHDWELL.

KNITTI'NG mAcHmE.

THE nofws Evans ca. Pumuurwo.. wAsnmn'roN, n. a

No. 649,02l.

' -Patented May 8, i900.. C. J. A. WARDWELL.

' KNITTING MACHINE.

(App1ica.tion ed Mar. 7, 189B.)

I3 Sheets-Sheet 5 (No Modal.)

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lrZeJ J. Waldweg No. 649,02l.

. Patented May 8, |900. C vJ. A. WARDWELL.

KNITTING MCHINE.

(Application filed Mar. 7, 1898.) (N o M o d el.)

I3 Sheets-Sheet 6 TH: No'nms PETERS co. woamlno.. wAsHlNa'roN. u. c,

No. 649,02l. v Patented-May 8, i900.

l C. J. A. WARDWELL.

K'NITTING MACHINE.

(Application filed-Mar. 7, 1898.)

(No Model.) v I3 sheets-sheet a.

me Nomus Pneus oo.. PHQTOLITHO., wAsNlNuroN, DA c.

No. 649,021. Patented may 8,1900.

c. .1. A. wAnwELL. l

KNITTING MACHINE.

(App1ication led Mar. 7, 189B.)

(No Model.)

No. 649,02l. Patented May i8, |900. C. J. A. WARDWELL.

KNITTING MACHINE.

I3 Sheets-Shee I0.

(Application filed' Mar.' 7, 189B.) (No Model.)

71:5' Harney No. 649,021. Patented May 8, |900.

c. .L A. wARDwELL.

wmlru'mAHl-NE.A

(No Model.)

ma' rnnms PETERS co. PNoroLlmov. wAs

No. 649,02I. Patented May 8,1900. C. '.I. A. .WARDWELL KNITTING MACHINE.

(Application med Mar. 7, 1898.) (No Model.)

I3 Sheets-Sheet l2.

No. 649,021. Patented May', |900.

c. J. A. wAnnwELL.

KNITTING MACHINE.

(Application tiledV Mar. 7, 1898.)

(no Model.) I3 sheets-sheet la;

alf/n lll/1| CHARLES J. A. WARDVELL, OF LACONIA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, ASSIGNORTO NITE STATESj .PATnN GEORGE H. TILTON, OF SAME PLAGE, THOMAS S.FULLER, OF GILFORD, AND THE ASHLAND KNITTING COMPANY, OF ASHLAND, NEWHAMP- SHIRE.

MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 649,021, dated May 8,1900i Application filed March 7, 1898.

To all whom, t may concern:

Be it known that I, CHARLES J. A. WARD- WELL, of Laconia, inthe countyof Belknap and State of New Hampshire, have invented certain new anduseful Improvements in Automatic Seamless-Knitting Machines, of whichthe following is a specification.

The present invention consists in certain improvements in a circularindependentlatchneedle knitting-machine which is capacitated to knitautomatically a string of indefinite length f completelyknit stockings,each stocking having a seamless heel, a seamless toe, a foot, and a leg.The string of stockings after beingl knit is cut apart into individualstockings, the cut being between the toe of one stocking and the top ofthe leg of the adjacent stocking, thus requiring the toe to besubsequently seamed across its top to complete the stocking. The footand leg of each stocking are knit in circular courses, the appropriateparts of the machine then rotating continuously in one direction,whereas the heel and toe are knit while the appropriate parts of themachine are reciprocating. Then the heel is to be knit, somewhat 'lessthan one-half of the needles are thrown out of action, the loops beingretained thereon, and the heel is knit by the usual narrowing andwidening operations, one or more needles on each side of theheel-forming needles being first thrown out of action at eachreciprocation, and then after the narrowing has thus proceededsufficiently the needles are again brought into action in the samemanner until all are restored. The toe is knit in the same Way as theheel except that fewer needles are employed, so. that the toe is smallerthan the heel. During the reciprocating movement the machine is run atless speed than during the continuous circular movement. The toe andheel are knit more loosely than the foot and ankle and less loosely thanthe leg, thus conforming the shape of the stocking to its requirements,this being done by lengthening and shorten-l ing the stitches. The toeand heel are knit with two yarns,'whereas the foot and leg are knit witha single yarn and preferably with* Serial No. 672,857. (No model.)

a yarn separate and distinct from the two yarns for the heel and toe.

All of the foregoing results which are accomplished by a machineembodying the present improvements have heretofore been accomplished byautomatic Wholestocking knitting-machines; and the present inventionconsists in improved mechanism for achieving these results, the purposeof the improvements being to produce a rapid, efficient, economical, andserviceable machine which is capable of turning out uniformlygoodproducts, thus requiring the minimum care and attention, so that asingle attendant can run a large number of machines.

The present improvements, besides including the general construction andorganization of the machine and some special features of construction tobe hereinafter more specifically mentioned, relate, first, to themechanism for imparting alternately-reciprocating andcontinuously-rotating movements to the appropriate parts of the machineand for shifting automatically and at the proper times from one movementto the other; second, to the mechanism for imparting a slow speed duringreciprocation and a rapid speed during continuous rotation and forchanging automatically and at the proper times from one speed to theother; third, to the mechanism for automatically throwing into and outof action the appropriate needles in forming the heel and toe; fourth,to the mechanism for automatically stopping the machine after any givenor predetermined cycle of movements; fifth, to the mechanism forautomatically lengthening and shortening the stitches at the propertimes; sixth, to the mechanism for automatically changing the yarns atthe proper times; seventh, the mechanism for automatically taking u pthe slackyarn during reciprocation and for automatically slackening theyarn while changing yarns; eighth, to the mechanism for automaticallyrelieving the tension on the heel and toe yarns when changing yarns,and, ninth, to the mechanism for shifting the sinkers to enable stitchesto be placed on or taken olf from the needles.

For the purpose of illustrating one concrete nplane surface.

embodiment of the present improvements they are shown in theaccompanying drawings as embodied in a machine of the wellknown typewherein the needle-cylinder is stationary and the knitting-cams rotate,and the illustrated machine is so organized as to knit the toc, foot,heel, and leg in the order named.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is afront view of the upper partof the machine, none of the parts above the plane of the yarnchangerbeing shown. Fig. 1 is a front view of the lower part of the machine, aportion at one side being broken away. Fig. 2 is a rear View of theupper part of the machine, none of the parts above the plane of theyarnchanger being shown. Fig. 3 is a right side view of the upper partof the machine, looking at the same from the side which is at the rightwhen facing the machine, and hence looking at the side which is shown atthe right in Fig. 1. Fig. 3n is a vertical section of the` lower part ofthe machine, looking at the parts shown from the right. Fig. 4 is a leftside view of the upper part of the machine. Fig. 5 is a plan view of themachine, the parts above the plane of the yarn-changer being removed.Fig. G is a vertical section through the needle cylinder, knitting camring, and bed-plate. Fig. 7 is a detail sectional view of a part of thedrive-pulleys. Fig. 8 is adetail view of apart of theyarn-changeroperating mechanism. Fig. 9 is an enlarged detail sectionalview of one side of the needlecylinder and knitting-cam ring. Fig. 1()illustratesa development ofthe knitting-cams on a Fig. 11 is aperspective view of the section of the cam-ring which carries thewidening-cams. Fig. 12 shows details .of of the widening cams. Fig. 13is a plan view of the ring which controls the movement of the partswhich move the needles into and out of action. Fig. 14 is a sectionalview of the said needlecontrolling ring. Fig. Y 15 is a perspective viewof a portion of the patternactuating devices. Fig. 16 is a verticalcross- Section of the time-shaft, showing the initial portion of thepattern-actuating mechanism. Fig. 17 is a vertical cross-section throughthe main and time shafts, illustrating a portion of the mechanism timingthe action of the needle-governin g devices. Fig. 1S is a partialdevelopment on a plane surface of the periphery of the needle-cylinder,illustrating the different kinds of needles employed. Fig. 19 is adetail View of a portion of the take-up.

Figs. 2O and 21 are detail views of the tension mechanism.

. stitches and for governing the operation of the tension devices. Fig.is a detail View of a portion of the needle-shifting mechanism forcontrolling the action oit' the needles. Fig. 2G is a detail view ofthat portion of the cam ring where is located the narrowing mechanismand of the parts adjacent thereto. Fig. 27 is a plan View of a portionof the yarnchanger-operating mechanism. Fig. 28 is a verticallongitudinal section of the yarnchanger. Fig. 29 is a detail View of theyarnscparator and the actuator for the yarn gripper and cutter. Figs. 30and 31 are detail views showing different positions of the yarn-cutter.Fig. 32 illustrates in detail the several parts of Ithe yarn-twister.Figs. 33 and 34 illustrate details of the yarn-gripper. Figs. and 36illustrate details of the links of the pattern-chain. Fig. 37 is across-section of the reciprocating pitman, showing the means forrendering the time mechanism inoperative. Fig. 3S is a cross-section ofthe main shaft, showing a part of the reciprocating pitman. Fig. 39 is aplan View', and Fig. 40 a side View, of the clutch-carriage. Fig. 41 isa sectional View of the reciprocating pinion. Figs. 42 and 43 are detailviews of the sliding clutch. Figs. 44. and 45 are detail views of theneedle-controller. Fig. 46 is a detail View of the narrower. Fig. 47 isadetail View of the latch for the belt-shipper. Figs. 4S and 49 aredetail views of the needlelifter-actuatin g mechanism. Fig. 50 isadetail View of the needle-deprcssor-actuating mechanism. Fig. 51 is adetail lsectional view through the main and time shafts, illustrating aportion of the yarn-slackener-operating mechanism. Figs. 52 and 53 aredetail views of cams which operate the yarn-clamp. Figs. 54, 55, and 5Gare detail views of parts of the yarn-clamp-operating devices. Figs. 57and 58 are detail views of the sinker-rinfr. Fig. 59 is a detail view ofa part of the yarnclamp-operating devices. Fig. 60 is a detail View of apart of the tension-operating mechanism. Figs. 9, 11, 32 to 37,inclusive, 41, 42, 43, 4G, 48, 49, 50, and 52 to U0, inclusive, aredrawn to a scale double, and Figs. 44 and 45 to a scale four times, thatof the remaining figures of the drawings.

K'fititfing yns-trumentalitcs.--Reierrin g first to Fig. 6, 10 is thenon-rotary needle-cylinder, which is mounted upon the bed-plate A of themachine by means of intervening instrumentalities, which will behereinafter more fully described when considering the means fortightening and loosening the stitches. The bed-plate Ais mounted upon asuitable frame 1l., which is illustrated in Figs. 1, 1, 3, 3, andelsewhere.

The needles are reciprocating latch-needles and are guided inneedle-grooves in the needle-cylinder in the usual manner and aremaintained in place in the needle-cylinder by the commonly-employedcircumferential coiled-spring band 12. The needles are of three kinds,as shown in Fig. 1S. The short needles a occupy one-half the peripheryof the needle-cylinder and are those which are employed in knitting boththe heel and the toe. The long needles a', having heels 13, occupynearly one-half the periphery of the needlecylinder and are those whichare always IOO IIO

thrown out of action when knitting both heel and toe. The long needlesa2, having no heels, occupy the remainder of the needle-cylinder and arethrown out of action when the toe is to be knit, but are used inknitting the heel, so that the heel is knit larger than the toe. Theseneedles a2 are located on opposite sides of the needle-cylinder betweenthe needles c and d and are of such number as may be desired, dependingupon the desired difference in size between the heel and toe. Six, threeon each side, is a suitable number of the needles a2. All of the needlesare used in knit-l ting the foot and leg. Since the need-les ct areemployed in knitting the toe, they may be conveniently called thetoe-needles. Sin ce the needles a knit the instep portion of the foot,they may be conveniently called the instep-needles,7 and since theneedles d2 are used in knitting the heel, but not the toe, they may beconveniently called the heel-needles, and these designating terms willbe hereinafter employed. All of the needles have the usual knitting-nibs14 cooperating with the knitting-cams and have swells 15, whichcooperate with the spring-band to hold the needles elevated, which is ofutility when the instep and heel needles are moved upwardly into theirinactive or idle position.

B is the rotating cam-ring, (see Fig. 6,) which surrounds theneedle-cylinder and rests and turns on a bearing 16, constituting partof a top plate 17, which is secured to and partly overlies the bed-plateA. The cam-ring has,

as usual, a beveled gear 1S,which meshes with a beveled driving-gear 19on the shaft C, Figs.

1 and 17, which will hereinafter be called the main shaft. The cam-ringis equipped with the usual knitting-cams 20 20 and 21 21 and switch-cams22 22, (see Fig. 10,) the knitting-cams being duplicated and theswitch-cams being provided to permit knitting during reciprocation, asis usual. The cam-ring is likewise equipped with devices to effectnarrowing and widening and to throw the instep and heel needles into andout of action, which will be hereinafter specifically described.

The machine is equipped with web holders or sinkers 23, (see Figs. 6 and57,) which cooperate with the needles and needle-cylinder verge in theusual manner to feed along the completed fabric and apply tension to theloops on the needles. These sinkers are carried by a sinker comb-ring24, mounted in the needle-cylinder, and are operated in the usual mannerby a sinker cam-ring 25, which is operatively connected with thecam-ring 3, so as to partake of the movements thereof. To this end thecam-ring carries a vertical bracket 26, Figs. 1, 3, 4, and 5, which isstraddled by two radial projections on the sinker cani-rin g, each ofwhich carries an adjustable screw-tappet 27, against one of which thebracket 26 comes in contact, (depending upon in which direction thecam-ring B is traveling,) thereby carrying the sinker camring with it inthe same direction. The two tappets 27 ,with a space between themgreater than the width of the bracket 26,areprovided, so as to time theoperation of the sinkers properly with reference to the action of theknitting-cams, whichever way the cam-ring B turns, and the screwadjustment of the tappets compensates for wear and enables the timing tobe regulated to a nicety.

The yarn is conducted to the needles by a leading-in yarn-guide 28,pivotally connected with the bracket 26, secured to the cam-ring B, (seeFigs. 4 and 26,) so as to partake of the movements thereof. The yarnsare supplied from three bobbins, one for the leg and foot and the othersfor the toe and heel, which are carried by three bobbin-plates 29, (seeFigs. 1, 2, 3f, 4, 5, and 27,) which are supported by a yarn-stand 30,secured L-to the bedplate A. The several yarns are conducted from theirrespective bobbins to the leadingin yarn-guide 28 by suitableinstrumentalities, which will be specifically set forth when describingthe yarn-changer, yarn-slackener, and yarn-tension.

The mode of operation of the parts thus far described in knitting afabric is similar to that common to circularlatch-needleknittingmachines.

Driving mechanism-'Phe main shaft C, which drives the cam-ring B throughthe bevel-gears 19 1S, is adapted to be driven continuously in onedirection when the foot and leg are to be knit and to be oscillated orrocked when the toe and heel are to be knit. The change from onemovement to the other is effected automatically by pattern mechanism.

At the lower part of the machine, Figs. 1 and 3, is a drive-shaft D,which is actuated continuously in one direction by devices which will bedescribed when considering the speed-changing mechanism. This shaftcarries a large sprocket-wheel 31, which constantly drives at a greaterspeed a smaller sprocket-wheel 32, loose on the main shaft C, bysprocket-chain 33. A sliding clutch 34, splined to the main shaft C,Figs. 1, 5, 42, and 43, cooperates with the hub of sprocketwheel 32, andwhen clutched therewith the main shaft and with it the cam-ring B arerotated continuously in one direction.

The drive-shaft D has a crank 35, Figs. 1 and 3, to which is pivoted apitman E, having a rack 36 at its upper end, which meshes with a pinion37, Figs. 3 and 5, loose on the main shaft C. The rack 36 is maintainedconstantly in mesh with the pinion 37 by means of a guide 3S, which ishung loosely in the main shaft C, Figs. 1, 3, and 38, so as tocompensate for the swing of the lower end of the rack-pitman E. Theclutch 34 also coperates with the pinion 37, so that when the clutch isengaged therewith the main shaft C and with it the cam-ring B arereciprocated. The clutch 34 is arranged to reciprocate on the main shaftC between the` pinionV 37 and IOO IIO

the sprocket-wheel 32, so that the cam-ring B may be alternatelyreciprocated and rotated in accordance with the requirements of theknitting, and when it occupies the intermediate position it is out ofengagement with both pinion 37 and sprocket-wheel 32, so that knittingthen ceases. When the clutch thus occupies its intermediate idleposition, the cam-ring B may be operated by hand, the main shaft beingequipped with a hand-crank 39, Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 5, for this purpose.

Pattern mechanism. The clutch is automatically moved between the pinion37 and sprocket-wheel 32 at the appropriate times by means of a patternmechanism, which also governs all the other movements of the machine.Parallel with, behind, and slightly below the main shaft` C is atime-shaft 40, earrying near one end a sprocket-wheel 41, loose thereon,around which passes a pattern-chain 42. The pattern-chain also passesaround a supporting sprocket-wheel 43, Figs. 1, 3, and 5, journ aled ona stud 44, carried by the frame 11. The greater portion of the links ofthe pattern-chain carry projecting wings 45, Figs. 35 and 36, whichaii'ord a substantially-continuous elevated path or pattern-track, Figs.

i 3 and 3, except where it is interrupted by the omission of the wingsfrom certain of the links at appropriate intervals, as shown in Figs. 35and 36, the occurrence of these intervals or interru )tions determininga variai chine, and one of which, 49, is attached at its tance at eachrevolution of the drive-shaft D.

In order to properly adjust the length of the working stroke of thepawl-lever so as to move the pattern-chain the proper distance at eachstep, the inner arm 52, Fig. 1G, of the pawl-lever F is a stift springsecured to the pawl-lever and adjustable by a screw 53.

The length of the inward or return stroke of the pawl-lever F is limitedby a stop 54, carried by a suitable fixed part of the machine," such asthe bracket 55, Figs. 2, 3, 5, and

15, which is encountered by a detent 5G on the pawl-lever when pulledinward by the springs 49 50. The pawl-lever hence has a definite lengthof stroke, thus advancing the pattern-chain by uniform steps.

It is sometimes desirable to throw the pattern mechanism wholly out ofaction as, for example, when it may be desired to knit a circular web ofindefinite length-and this object is effected very simply by making thetappct 51 on rack-pitman E movable, so that it may be maintained in aposition where it will not encounter the arm 52 of the pawl-lever F. Thetappet 5l is a pin sliding in the pitman E and a bracket 57, attachedthereto, Figs. 1 and 37, and a spring 58 tends to hold the tappet in andrestores it to its idle position. A hand-controlled latch 59 locks thetappet in its active position when moved thereto by hand. Bymanipulating the latch to release the tappet the latter is thrown to itsidle position by the spring 58.

The pattern-chain controls the movements of the machine by raising andlowering a rider 1, Figs. 3 and 15, which normally rides upon thepattern-track formed by the link-wings 45, and is thereby held elevated,and which drops down'by gravity when an interval or interruption in thepattern-track arrives beneath it, this downward drop being itse'liective movement. This rider 1 is carried by a lever GO, pivoted tothe bracket 55, so that the rider is capable of rising and falling. Whenthe rider drops down, there is brought into action mechanism forrotating the timeshaft step by step. This mechanism includes as itsprimary instrumentality a ratchet-wheel G, which is adjacent to theratchet 46 and fast to the time-shaft 40. The ratchet-Wheel G, andwithitthe time-shaft, remains stationary for the greater part of thetime, but is brought into action by the drop of the rider 1, whichreleases the normally-idle pawl 61 of the ratchet G. This pawl G1 ispivoted at the outer end of the pawl-lever F on the side thereofopposite to where the pawl 48 is located, as shown in Figs. 2 and 5. Thespring 50, heretofore mentioned, is connected to the outer end or tailof pawl (il and tends to force the free inner acting end of the pawlinto operation with the ratchet G; Normally, however, the acting end ofthe pawl G1 is held uplifted out-of contact with the ratchet G by meansof a pin G2 thereon, Fig. 15, which rests on a horizontally-projectingiiange b on the rider-lever 60, so that although the pawl constantlyreciprocates with the pawl-lever F it has no eiect upon the ratchet Gand timeshaft. When, however, the rider and its lever ICO IIO

drop down, the actingend of the pawl 61 de- .j

soends into its active position and then actuates the time-shaft ratchetG step by step in consonance with the pattern-chain ratchet 4G. Owing tothis arrangement, which brings the time-shaft into operation only whenneeded, the time-shaft is arranged so as to make but a single revolutionfor the completion of one stocking, and at the same time it becomespossible, as will be shown, to provide for the movement of thetime-shaft through a large arc when needed, so as to render itseffective movements easy and smooth. The iirst effect after the droppingof the rider and the bringing of the pawl 61 into action is to move theratchet G a few steps in consonance with the ratchet 46 until a changein the knitting is to be made. This change (or changes) is effected bycams, as will presently appear, and to render the cam rise gradual andits action smooth and easy the ratchet G is moved through a large arc,which in the illustrated machine is seven times the length of the arethrough which it moves in taking its usual step. This long step is takenby giving a long throw to the pawl-lever F. When such a long throw is tobe given, a cam 63 on the side of the ratchet G, Figs. 2 and 16,encounters a depending tongue 64 near the outer end of the stop 54,(which is made resilient or as a spring for this purpose,) therebylifting said stop out of the path of the detent 56 of the pawl-lever F,so that the springs 49 50 thereupon pull the pawl-lever inwardly agreater distance than usual and until an outwardly-projecting abutment65 on the end of the pawl-lever encounters the stop 54. Then when thetappet 51 again encounters the inner arm 52 it gives the pawl-lever Fits long` stroke, (in the construction shown seven times the usualstroke,) thus moving the ratchet.

G and time-shaft through a large arc. This long stroke frees the cam 63from the tongue 64, thereby permitting the stop 54 to resume its norm alposition, so that but one long stroke is made at a time. It is notexpedient or desirable, however, to move the pattern-chain ratchet46more than its usual step, and hence its actuating-pawl 48, althoughpartaking of the long stroke, is arranged so as to then feed the ratchet46 only its usual step. To this end the free inner end of the pawl 48has a beveled projecting stud 66, Figs. 3 and 15, on one side, in thepath of which when the long stroke is taken is an inclined lifter 67 onthe bracket 55, which is sufficiently far away as to have no effect whenthe pawl 48 takes its usual stroke. When, however, the long stroke istaken, the stud 66 rides up the lifter 67 out of the way, andconsequently on the working or outer stroke operates upon the ratchet 46only sufficiently to move it the usual step. In Fig. 16 only one cam 63is shown on the ratchet G. There are, however, as indicated in Fig. 2, aplurality of such cams, there being a sufiicient number and properlyspaced to give the desired number of long strokes at the proper times. 4

Direction-changing mechum'sm.-The automatic change between continuousrotation and reciprocation is effected by moving the clutch 34, and theprincipal instrumentalities for this purpose are acam-Wheel H, loose onthe pattern-shaft, a laterally-sliding shifting carriage I, mounted onthe framework, and a shifting-fork J carried by the carriage andconnecting with the clutch.

The carriage I is a slide, Figs. 2, 39, and 40, having slots 68,embracing screw-studs 69 on the frame l1, which constitute the ways forthe carriage. At its inner end the carriage has a dependingoperating-arm 70, having a bowl 71 at its lower end close to theperiphery of the cam-wheel H. The cam-wheel has on its periphery twopairs of cams 72 and 73, the cams 72 actingy upon the bowl 71 to shiftthe carriage I to the right, Fig. 2, to bring the reciprocatingmechanism into action, while the cams 73 act in the opposite directionto bring the continuously-operating mechanism into action. The cam-wheelH is rotated from the pattern-shaft ratchet G by means of twolaterally-projecting studs 7 4,mounted on said parts,respectively. Thewheel H and ratchet G might, however, be fast with each other.

The shifting-fork J is pivoted at c, Figs. 39 and 40, at its rear end tothe carriage I, and its front forked end embraces a peripheral groove din the clutch 34, Figs. 1, 5, and 42. Stiff fiat springs 76 and 77,secured at the rear to the carriage I, bear at their forward ends uponopposite sides of the fork J, and consequently the fork and clutchpartake of the lateral movements of the carriage, and

hence the wheel 32 and pinion 37 (controlling the rotary andreciprocating movements, 1espectively) are alternately broughtautomatically into action at the proper times, as determined by thepattern-chain. The purpose Vof the springs 76 and 77 and of pivoting thefork J is to insure the proper action of the clutchin case,when theshift occurs,the proper clutch-face of the clutch is not exactlycoincident with the corresponding clutch-face on the wl1eel32 or pinion37. For example, in case the position of the pinion 37 should be suchthat when the shift of ther clutch takes place the clutch projection 78on the clutch should encounter the clutch projection 79 on the pinionthe carriage I would still be moved positively its entire distance bythe positive action of one of the cams 72, and the result would be toswing the fork J against the spring 7 7 thereby increasing its tension,the other spring 76 being then prevented from acting upon the fork,because it is carried out of contact therewith by the -stop-arm 75,forming part of the carriage. Then as soon as the pinion 37 turnssufficiently far to bring its clutch-recess into coincidence with theclutch projection 78 on the clutch the spring 76 snaps the clutch intoplace.' Similarly the other spring 77 acts to insure the engagement ofthe clutch with the wheel 32.

For the proper timing of the mechanism to insure a perfect product byavoiding` the skipping of the needles by the yarn the clutch shouldengage the pinion 37 only when the pinionNis oscillating in the rightdirection, and hence the respective members are properly constructed toinsure this correct engage- IOO IIO

ment. The opposing clutch projection 7 8 on the clutch has a slidingtongue 80, Figs. 42 and 43, which is normally projected by a spring Sl,thus making the clutch projection 78 normally larger than thecorresponding recess on the pinion 37 and rendering the clutchprojection contractible. Consequently when the pinion is oscillating inthe wrong direction the projection 7S will not enter the pinion-recess,being too large. lVhen, however, the pinion is oscillating in the properdirection, the then leading end 82 of its clutch projection 79 (whichextends laterally outward farther than its tail end) encounters thetongue SO of the contracti-.

ble clutch projection, thereby pushing it in against its spring, thuscontracting the projection 7S sufficiently to enable it to fit withinthe pinion-recess.

,S'peetZ-chcmgiug mechanism.-It has already been stated that owing tothe relative sizes of the sprocket-wheels 3l and 32 the speed of thecam-ring is greater during rotation than during reciprocation. It isdesirable, however, to still further reduce the speed duringreciprocation, to effect the slowing down before reciprocation begins,and to afterward start rotation before speeding up, so that theoperation of the clutch St in both directions shall occur during theslow movement, thereby avoiding shock to the machine.

Referring to Figs. l, 5, and 7, it will be seen that the drive-shaftDhas a xed clutch member S3 fast thereto and carries a loose sleeve S4,having a clutch-face 85, adapted to the clutch member S3. The purpose ofthis clutch arrangement is to provide for the automatic stopping of themachine, as hereinafter set forth. Ordinarily, however, the said parts83 St are clutched together and are now to be so considered. The sleeveSl carries an intermediate pulley S6, fast thereto, and two loosepulleys S7 8S on opposite sides thereof. With these pulleys cooperatetwo constantlyrunning belts, Fig. 5, one of which runs faster than theother, as by passing around a larger pulley on the usual overheadpower-shaft. Both belts run in turn over the driving-pulley SG, and thefast belt coperates with the inner idler SS, while the slow beltcooperates with the outer idler S7. The action of these belts isimmediately controlled by a beltshipper S9, which is centrally pivoted,Fig. 1, at 90 to a suitable part of the frame 11. The lower end of thebelt-shipper has two forks 91 92, the former for the fast belt and thelatter for the slow belt. In one position of the shipper the slow beltruns on the drivingpulley S6, and in its other position the 'fast beltruns thereon. The movement of the shipper from one position to the otheris automaticall y controlled at the proper moments by cams 93 94 on acam-drum K, which is fast to the time-shaft 40, a bowl 95 at the u pperend of the shipper being in the paths of the said cams. The cams 93 movethe shipper in its proper direction to slow down the machine, and thecams 94 move the shipper in the opposite direction to speed it up.

The movement of the cams 93 94- (since their drum K is fast to thetime-shaft 40) is controlled by the ratchet G, which in turn isgoverned, as already set forth, by the patternchain.

Vhen a change is to be made from fast to slow preparatory to knitting aheel or a toe, the pattern-chain brings the ratchet G into action, whichthen proceeds several steps in consonance with the pattern -chainratchet a6, and during this time one of the cams 93 is brought intoaction and shifts the drivingbelts so as to bring 'the slowly-runningbelt into action. The length of the cams 93 (and also of the cams 9a) issuch as to require several steps of the ratchet G to effect the throw ofthe belts, thus rendering the transition from fast to slow gradual andwithout shock to the machine and at the same time enabling the inclineof the cam to be made gradual and easy. As soon as the speed of themachine is thus slowed down the long stroke of the pawl Gl. occurs, thusshifting the clutch Stand changing from rotation to reciprocation, themovement of the clutch thus taking place when the machine is runningslowly. The pattern-chain then throws the pawl 6l out of action, so thatthe time-shaft stands still. As soon as theheel or toe, as the case maybe, is nearing completion the patternchain again brings the pawl Gl intoaction and a long stroke is made, thereby changing back fromreciprocation to rotation while the machine is still running slowly.This movement also preferably brings one of the cams 94 into operativeposition, so that a few short steps of the pawl Gl shifts the shipperand brings the fast-running belt into play, thus driving the machinerapidly during continuous rotation. The pattern-chain then moves thepawl 6l out of action, so that the timeshaft remains stationary whileknitting circular courses. Owing to this arrangement both movements ofthe clutch 34E take place while the machine is running slowly.

fl'w'ow/ng the nsiep-izeedle-s out of action- The change from rotationto reciprocation occurs when a too or a heel is to be knit, and when thetoe or hcel is completed the reverse change from reciprocation torotation occurs. Now during the knitting of the heel or toe and duringreciprocation only a portion of the needles are in action, and the idleneedles are thrown out of action when the change from rotation toreciprocation occurs, and they are again brought into action when thetoe or heel is completed and when the change from reciprocation torotation occurs. The only difference in the knitting of the heel and toeis that when the heel is knit only the instepneedles a are thrown out ofaction, whereas when the toe is knit the heel-needles a2 arc also thrownout of action.

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The governance of the instep-needles c will be first taken up and thenthat of the heelneedles c2.

The instep-needles u.' are thrown out of action by being elevated so faras to raise their knitting-nibs 14 above the path of the knitting-cams,and this elevation of the needles is immediately effected by aneedle-lifter 96, Figs. 9, 10, and 49, which is mounted on and carriedby the knitting cam-ring B. This lifter is normally Wholly outside ofthe plane of the needles, so that it is normally idle. Vhen, however,the inst-ep-needles are to be elevated out of action, the lifter 96 ispushed radially inward at the proper moment. This inward push occurswhen the needle-lifter is opposite a portion of the short toe-needles a,which are wholly above the highest partof the lifter. -When thus pushedin, the heels 13 of the instep-needles a are in the path of 'theelevating-incline constituting the upper edge of the lifter, andconsequently when the lifter reaches the instep-needles it lifts themall up to their inactive position. As soon as this is accomplished thelifter retires into its idle position.

In order to avoid making the elevating-incline of the needle-lifter sohigh as to interfere with the regular knitting action `of the needles,as would be the case if in the construction shown the entire lift shouldbe accomplished thereby, a supplementary lifter 961 is employed, whichAis fixed to the camring B, Fig. 10. The needle-lifter lifts theinstep-needles high enough to `bring their usual knitting-nibs 14 intothe path of the supplementary lifter 961, which thereupon completes thelifting action.

It Will be observed, Fig. 10, that a guardcam 14S is extended over theleading points of the needle-lifter 90 and auxiliarylifter 961, so as toprevent theirstri ke throwing the needies up too far. l

The needle-lifter has a stem 97, which eX- tends outwardly through ablock fixed to the cam-ring B, and a spring 98, surrounding stem 97,holds and pushes the lifter outwardly. The needle-lifter is pushedinwardly to its acting position by needle-lifter-operating cam 99, Figs.Sand 5, which is mounted to slide radially in a slot in the stationarytop plate 17. This cam 99 normally occupies its outward position whereit is out of the path of the needle-lifter stem 97, and it is pushedinward at the appropriate time by the action of the pattern mechanism,so as to be within the pathof said stem 97, whereby thel needlelifter ispushed inwardly, and thus acts to elevate the instep-needles.

Beneath the top plate and turning in an stud 100 normally stands in aconcentric portion 101 of the cam-path; but when the needle-controlleris oscillated in the direction of the arrow 102 the cam-rise 103encounters the stud 100, which is moved radially inward, therebybringing the needle-lifter-operating cam 99 into the path of the stem 9Gof the needle-lifter.

The oscillation of the needle-controller L is governed by the tinie-shaft. The needle-controlleris capable of oscillation throughstrokes or arcs of different lengths for purposes which will hereinafterappear, one of which strokes in the direction of the1 arrow 102 (whichdirection is that of the forward strokes) is that which controls themovement of the needle-lifter to lift the instep-needles.

The needle-controller L is connected by a pin 104, Fig. G, with a slideM, Figs. (i and 25, which is mounted beneath the bed-plate A to slideback and forth, and thereby oscillate the needle-controller. The slide Mis moved forward by a lever 105, pivoted to the frame 11 and connectedat its upper end to the slide, and is moved backward by the spring 106,which spring maintains a bowl 107 at the lower end of the lever incontact with cams 10S, 1081, 109, and 110 on a ratchetwheel N, which isloose on the time-shaft 40. This ratchet-wheel N, which will behereinafter termed the needleattern wheel or y ratchet, as shown inFigs. 2, 17, and 25, has ratchet-teeth 111, consisting of the heads ofscrews which are inserted at proper intervals in threaded holes 112 inthe periphery thereof. Cooperating with this needle pattern ratchet is apawl 113, Fig. 17, maintained in cooperative relation by a spring 114and pivoted to a rocking arm 115, which swings on the hub of the ratchetN. The outer end of the arm 115 is held by the spring 114 in contactwith an eccentric 11G on the main shaft C, so that the pawl 113 isconstantly oscillated during the operation of the machine. Normally,however, the tooth of the pawl plays idly between grou ps'of theratchet-teeth 111 without moving the ratchet N, and it is broughtmomentarily into action from time to time by the action of thepattern-chain.

The needle-pattern wheel N is rotated step by step from cam-wheel H(which, as already shown, moves in consonance with the patternshaftratchet G) by means of pins d on the wheels N H, respectively, whicharrangement enables the wheel N to be advanced by its actuating pawl 113without affecting the wheel H, the wheel N being afterward unaffected bythe advance of the wheel H until the pin d on H catches up with the pind on N.

During the circular knitting of a stockingfoot the bowl 107 rests on thedwell 117, Fig. 25, on the wheel N, thereby maintaining the slide M andneedle-controller L in a position of rest, with the stud in the dwell101 of the controller L. Just before the patternshaft-ratchet pawl 61makes its long stroke to produce the reciprocating movement for IOO IIO

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